Pakistan’s rising left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem has matched a long-standing national record previously held by the legendary Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Sami. His rapid rise in international cricket has added fresh energy to Pakistan’s T20 bowling attack.
Sufiyan Muqeem Makes His Mark Early in Career
Only 25, Sufiyan Muqeem has made a remarkable start to his T20I career, grabbing 19 wickets in just 11 matches with an exceptional average of 11.15. This incredible consistency has placed him alongside two of Pakistan’s seasoned bowlers in the record books.
- Saeed Ajmal: 19 wickets at 15.5 average (first 11 matches)
- Mohammad Sami: 19 wickets at 12.2 average (first 11 matches)
- Sufiyan Muqeem: 19 wickets at 11.15 average (first 11 matches)
This feat makes Sufiyan one of the fastest-impact bowlers in Pakistan’s T20I history.
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Where He Stands Among Other Pakistani Greats
Sufiyan’s early impact becomes even more impressive when compared to other notable bowlers in Pakistan’s T20 setup:
- Abbas Afridi: 18 wickets at 10.9 average
- Usman Qadir: 18 wickets at 12.6 average
- Umar Gul: 18 wickets at 13.5 average
While these bowlers also had excellent starts, Sufiyan’s ability to maintain a low average while taking regular wickets sets him apart.
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Pakistan’s Solid Start to West Indies Tour
Sufiyan’s record-equaling performance came during the first T20I of the three-match series against the West Indies, where Pakistan secured a 14-run victory to take a 1-0 lead.
- Venue: Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida
- Toss: West Indies elected to field
- Pakistan Batting:
- Saim Ayub anchored the innings with a brilliant 57-run knock, playing a key role in Pakistan’s victory.
- Fakhar Zaman contributed 28 runs
- Hassan Nawaz chipped in with 24 runs
- Total: 178/6 in 20 overs
West Indies’ Chase Falls Short
The West Indian openers gave their team a promising start, but once they were dismissed, Pakistan’s bowlers tightened the grip. A flurry of quick wickets disrupted the momentum, and the hosts eventually fell short by 14 runs.
- Saim Ayub earned the Player of the Match honor thanks to his impressive all-round display that proved vital in Pakistan’s win
- Pakistan has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with two games still to be played
Final Thoughts
Sufiyan Muqeem’s achievement is more than just a personal milestone – it’s a sign that Pakistan’s next generation of bowlers is ready to uphold the country’s rich legacy in T20 cricket. His sharp spin, control, and early success make him one to watch in the lead-up to future global tournaments.
